It’s the #1 concern of small businesses unable to fill jobs in a tight labor market
MONTPELIER, Jan. 10, 2019 – NFIB, the leading small business association in Vermont, applauds Gov. Phil Scott for stressing the importance of attracting workers to the state to fill jobs and expand the tax base. NFIB’s Vermont State Director Shawn Shouldice reacted to the Governor’s speech offering the following comments:
“Finding qualified workers in the current tight job market is now the top concern of small businesses, so it is refreshing to hear Gov. Scott make that a top priority. Small companies can’t expand and create jobs when they can’t find people to fill new positions, and that will prevent economic growth in our state if not addressed.
“Gov. Scott’s pledge not to raise taxes or fees is a relief to small businesses, but there is concern about the state’s deficit and the drop in its credit rating. NFIB hopes the Governor and lawmakers will address the growing debt with reforms and refrain from any additional spending.
“We look forward to learning more in the coming weeks about Gov. Scott’s paid leave plan. And, while he says it will be optional, small businesses do have concerns. Smaller businesses still need enough workers on duty to ensure the workload is done, there are costs to hiring temps or cross-training employees, and there is concern about the long-term sustainability of any paid leave fund.”
The most recent jobs report from NFIB’s Small Business Research Foundation shows record high unfilled job openings in December. See this link: https://www.nfib.com/foundations/research-center/monthly-reports/jobs-report/
